How to Charge Battery on Enclosed Tool Trailer for Lights at Jobsite
Updated 12/15/2025 | Published 11/23/2024
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a Pace enclosed tool trailer with a 4 pin wiring harness, obviously no breakaway battery. I’m trying to setup a battery to power the interior lights, but I’m assuming that they will eventually drain the battery. Is it fairly easy to switch to a 7 pin my truck has both 4 and 7 pin connector and run a wire so that the battery will get charged while connected? I’m trying to figure out the best way to do this. The trailer is usually on a jobsite for over a month, but I will only be using the lights for a short period when it’s dark and I’m loading tools back inside. Would it be easier to just install a battery inside and run a trickle charger to it when necessary? You guys are usually good with recommending parts that I can get on your website, so any info would help. Thanks, Joe
asked by: Joe
Expert Reply:
Hi Joe; you can add a 7-way to the trailer and connect it to your truck but this is just a maintenance charge. If you really want to charge the battery with your truck you need the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Trailer Battery Charger # RED96FR which would allow for actual battery charging using your vehicle. Since the trailer will be staying on the jobsite most of the time and the lights are only necessary for brief periods at night I would just run a battery charger to it during the day when it starts to run down.
If you're only using some small LED lights a battery like # 34276285 will last quite a while before it needs to be charged. If you have incandescent lights or other lights with a larger power draw you can expect to need to charge it more often. As it starts to run down, you can recharge it using the # 329-GENIUS5 assuming you have access to AC power at the site.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Continue Researching
- Search Results: solar battery charger
- Search Results: solenoid
- Search Results: battery maintainer
- Search Results: battery charger
- Search Results: solar charge controllers
- Article: How to Charge a Trailer Battery While Driving: 3 Common Problems (And How to Fix Them)
- Video: Redarc Answers Your Biggest Questions About the BCDC
- Video: Review of the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Trailer Battery Charger
- Shop: Bright Way Solar Battery Charger - 7.5 Watt Solar Panel
- Shop: Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Trailer Battery Charger - Single Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 12 Amp
- Shop: Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for Demco SL Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 40 Amp
- Shop: Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Trailer Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V - 12 Amp / Solar 40 Amp
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only
- Video: Checking Out the Stromberg Carlson Electric Trailer Jack
- Shop: Tradesman Vaquero Self-Contained Hydraulic A-Frame Trailer Jack - 26" Lift - 7,000 lbs
- Search Results: ramp gate seal
- Search Results: solar light
- Q&A: How Do Self-Adjusting Brakes Adjust and Does it Work Going Forward or Reverse
- Shop: RV Exterior Lighting
- Shop: RV Covers
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
on Accessories and Parts
Robin H.
12/15/2025
Hey Joe, how did your setup for powering the trailer lights turn out? Did you end up using the Redarc charger or just running a battery with the NOCO charger at the jobsite? Your update could make it easier for others working with similar trailers.